Libellés

Monday, July 16, 2007

(Almost) free bike ride, day one!

You remember this post, when I told you they were currently installing a fantastic bike service called Velib in Paris? Well, that's it, they opened it yesterday (Sunday). The principle is very simple: there are 750 terminals throughout Paris (and there will be more - one every 100 meters/ 110 yards - by the end of 2007) from where you can take or return a bike. If you're just visiting here you can buy a 7 day ticket for 5€ (or even a 1 day ticket for 1 €) then pay as you go. Well, in fact you may never pay since the first 30 minutes are free... For a complete information, please visit the PDP Forum under this topic.

These bikes sure do look zippy! I'll have to try one out next time I'm there. I stayed at Le Lotti very near to the area where this photo was taken last time I was in Paris - it brings back fond memories!

Have read in several newspaper this past month about the interest in cycling in European cities with Paris figuring prominently in several, especially the NYTimes last week. Have you taken a spin yet or is the scooter your preferred mode of transportation??

This seems like a great idea during the hot summer months, but I wonder what will happen when winter returns. This is a definite DO for those tourists who come to Paris and who prefer being outside versus being the Metro. I did have an initial pessimism about the likelihood of the bikes being stolen, but now after seeing them, I can confirm...nobody would want to steal one of these!

I read about it too. Sounds good except where can you safely ride them? The streets? You would likely be run over. The sidewalks? You would run over everyone walking. Maybe there are bike lanes that I haven't noticed?

Speaking of exercise, is it true that Sarkozy is constantly criticized for jogging? Seems funny to me. Running Joke

your picture looks a lot like the picture in today's NYtimes article about the bikes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/16/world/europe/16paris.html?hp

Zurich has a similar program. But it only runs in the summer and the bikes are free--you just have to pay a deposit, which you get back after you return the bike. It's really great for going for a ride along the lake. I think it is used mainly by tourists because most locals have their own bikes already.

I applaud the city's efforts. Maybe the USA won't be too far behind to follow this idea. Eric, let us have a picture of you on a Velib...if not, how about on your scooter. Beep...beep! (I wonder if the cabbies are going to like the "Velibbers"...another obstacle in their paths.)

I've been reading about this for a while, and it makes me go to airline websites and look longingly at ticket prices... I hope Velib is still up and running (err, biking -- sorry, couldn't resist the pun) when I finally get back to Paris!